Australian Government's Multicultural Statement

The Home Affairs Portfolio was established in December 2017. As a result of the supporting Machinery of Government changes, the multicultural affairs policy function has moved to the Department of Home Affairs. Details relating to these functions will be moved from this website to the Department of Home Affairs over coming months.

"Multicultural Australia - united, strong, successful"

Multicultural Australia – united, strong, successful is the Government’s public statement recommitting to multicultural Australia; setting both priorities and strategic directions for the coming years.

Our Shared Stories

Michael’s story

When Michael was two years old, he and his siblings were taken from their parents – never to be reunited as a family. Michael grew up in foster homes and in his late twenties overcame serious drug and alcohol addictions that almost claimed his life. Now Michael is a founding Director and CEO of Message Stick, a growing multimillion dollar telecommunications business.

"Because of the change achieved in my own life, my journey has been about wanting to give back to my own people."Read more

Lynn’s story

When Lynn’s parents brought her to Australia from Taiwan at the age of 19, they were seeking a better education and better future for her. Now a successful businesswoman, Lynn is giving these opportunities back to others.

"We value our staff and commit to giving back to the community. It’s a meaningful and joyful thing to help others."Read more

Marija’s story

Now a political reporter for SBS News in Canberra, Marija arrived in Australia as a six month old baby from Serbia. Her parents believed life in Australia would give Marija access to a great education and opportunities she may otherwise not have had.

"I’m a very proud Australian-Serbian woman and I just wish every other Australian would meet as many people as they can from different backgrounds, because it makes for an incredible country.”Read more

Peter’s story

One of seven children, Peter Scanlon is a 2nd generation Australian and successful businessman. Peter credits embracing cultural diversity as one of his key secrets to commercial success.

"Growing up in Australia post-war, I watched many migrants arrive and settle. I was staggered by the courage these ‘new Australians’ had, and the way they took the chance to provide a better life for their kids."Read more

Amina’s story

When Amina had to flee her home in Aleppo, Syria, she was devastated to depart with her much-loved English language centre, which she had run for many years. After arriving in Melbourne as a refugee, she gained qualifications to teach in Australia and has been giving back ever since.

"Volunteering as an English teacher to other refugees has given me the chance to help others and contribute to Australian society. When my students see how much I love my job, they feel inspired to study. "Read more

Lucy’s story

Lucy is a second generation Australian and a television sports presenter for SBS. Lucy reflects on the challenges her parents faced when they arrived in Australia, and the benefits of football in bringing people from all different cultures.

"We should all come together, Australians from all different backgrounds, to acknowledge how lucky we are to call Australia home – there’s no place in the world like it.”Read more

Tim’s story

Tim Omaji ‘Timomatic’ is a Nigerian-born Australian singer-songwriter and dancer, rising to fame as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance (Australia) in 2009.

"Growing up in Australia gave me a real sense of cultural diversity which really influenced my career path. I wanted to do something that could speak and relate to any and every culture."Read more

Cricket community's story

Embracing cultural, religious and language differences, members of the Australian cricket community talk about the benefits of living in a multicultural Australia.

“In Australia, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you look like, you can fit in. Sport plays a big role in that.”Read more

Facts and figures

There are some fascinating statistics about Australia’s diversity that can be good conversation-starters:

nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was

we identify with about 300 ancestries

since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia

85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia

apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi.